November Film of the Month

It's the penultimate Film of the Month on Ticket Stub and we've been treated to some awesome films over the past four weeks. I've managed to see three of the best movies to hit screens this winter so let's get started.

As ever, here is the rating system:

* = Poor. Why did I even bother?!

** = OK. Could have done better.

*** = Good. Recommended though don’t feel bad you don’t get to see this one.

**** = Excellent. Not quite perfect but highly recommended.

***** = Masterpiece. You’d be a fool not to see this film.

All titles to films link to their respective IMDB pages so you can discover more about the plot, cast and crew.

Interstellar

Image; behindwoods.com

Christopher Nolan has served us another epic movie. It is grand in scale with stunning visual effects. There are plenty of moments to keep you guessing but the film falls short in a few places. Interstellar is a tad too sentimental where it reaches the point of becoming corny. In the final third act of the film, I really wasn't sure where on earth the plot was taking us as we enter into another dimension. Despite these set backs, the IMAX screening I attended made a huge difference to the viewing experience. I think for any sci-fi film, such as Gravity (2013) or 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968) - which there are many nods to in this and is also being shown in cinemas this December - they are made to be seen on the biggest screen possible. This is certainly true for Interstellar. The sound was particularly enhanced too - despite it being off balanced in places, as also reported in other reviews. Matthew McConaughey is a fantastic lead and there is a surprise cameo from a Hollywood star - no not Anne Hathaway (she's just OK in this), but someone else not included in the promotion of the movie. Though it has a long running time, it is definitely recommended viewing - if anything for Nolan's ambition which just falls short of being truly brilliant. Don't wait until DVD or Netflix though, go see it in cinemas.

 Rating: ****

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1

Image: phoenixpx.deviantart.com

Last year, I went to see The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (2013) after quickly watching the first film on Netflix the night before and without seeing any trailers in the lead up to the film's release. I had one of the best movie experiences because of this - nothing was spoiled and every plot twist was a complete surprise. So often now, we watch trailers already knowing what the huge scenes will be, what the best lines are and the whole premise of the film. Therefore, I knew for this first part of the final installment I had to do the same. The night before I watched the sequel, conveniently on Netflix, and purposely avoided all promotions to do with Mockingjay. Again, this made a huge difference viewing the film. Mockingjay is so much darker than the previous two films and there is a lot of tension and politics thrown into the action. Jennifer Lawrence is awesome as Katniss. As well as being a great action hero, she is passionate and emotional so we can really root for her throughout the movie. She even sings a song called The Hanging Tree, which is one of the best moments. The late, great Philip Seymour Hoffman is wonderfully charming and comedic playing Plutarch.

The action is gripping and tense throughout. I cannot wait for the last film to be released next year. Yet again, I'll be avoiding all trailers and books! Obviously watch the first two films before venturing into this sequel.
Highly recommended.

Rating: ****

The Imitation Game

Image: filmnation.com

This is such an important film to see and one of the best of 2014. The Imitation Game is based on Alan Turing and the team who cracked the 'impossible' German code known as Enigma in the Second World War. Benedict Cumberbatch's performance is captivating right from the word go. 'Are you paying attention?' he asks at the beginning. Indeed, we are. Turing is an intelligent but tragic character. His genius and isolation is compellingly portrayed with flashbacks and jumps forward to the present day of the 1950s. Turing was homosexual at a time when being gay was illegal. He was prosecuted for homosexual acts in 1952 and eventually committed suicide in 1954. In 2013 however, Turing was given a royal posthumous pardon by the Queen.

The struggles of the team trying to decode Enigma and the moment of the breakthrough itself is enthralling. I found it especially moving when the team finally decode the German message. The rest of the cast are brilliant supporters too. I was pleasantly surprised by Keira Knightly's performance and adored Charles Dance as Commander Denniston.

Without Turing we wouldn't have computers or, in fact, nearly any of the technology which makes our world work today. Not only is this a superb film, it is an important one to educate new generations about the significance of breaking of Enigma and Turing's incredible intellect. Justice Minister, Chris Grayling, stated on the announcement of the pardon from the Queen that "Turing deserves to be remembered and recognised for his fantastic contribution to the war effort and his legacy to science." Let's hope this film can do the same too.

Rating: *****

A great month for films, but as you can see there is one clear winner.

Ticket Stub's November Film of the Month is...

The Imitation Game

Check out the trailer below:

What's been the best film you've seen this month?

Comment below or tweet @TicketStubBlog

The Biggest Trailers of the Week

I've titled this post the Biggest Trailers of the Week - more like the entire year!?! Two of the most highly anticipated films for 2015 have released trailers this week. Ticket Stub could not ignore either of them or even wait for a Trailer Tuesday to come around. Instead, I've combined these two epic film trailers together so you won't miss the most talked about videos of the week.

Firstly - Jurassic World. Universal gave us a frustratingly short teaser on Friday and late Tuesday evening released this beast of a trailer for the movie's third sequel. I've got to say it looks tense, awesome and epic on a grand scale. Chris Pratt, star of the highly successful Guardians of the Galaxy (2014), is the male lead in this installment. I'm also loving that cheeky reference to Spielberg's Jaws (1975) in the trailer. As if the shark wasn't deadly enough, let's see the ma-hu-sive sharped teeth dino-crocodile snapping up one of the most terrifying and iconic villains! 

Directed by Colin Trevorrow, the film sees Jurassic World - a dinosaur theme park - open to the public after 22 years since the events of Jurassic Park (1993). Things start to go terribly wrong though, as researchers introduce a new genetically modified hybrid dinosaur which causes destruction in its path.

Check out the trailer below. Jurassic World will be released 12th June 2015.

Now to the most talked about trailer of the year so far - Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens. Fans and film buffs were eagerly waiting today to see the first glimpse of the movie directed by J.J. Abrams. Some cinema-goers in the United States got the first viewing but it was at 15.06 GMT that the trailer was released to the world and nearly broke the internet.

Although only 1 min 30 secs, we caught a few clues as to what the film will entail. The lightsabers have had a makeover and that wonderful John Williams score is back! Also, I am pretty sure that the voice over is the brilliant Benedict Cumberbatch. He confirmed on The Graham Norton Show that he was on set and seemed to be sworn to secrecy about the filming. However, others on the Twittersphere suggest it could be Andy Serkis or Max Von Sydow. Take a listen and decide for yourself. 

The movie will be released on 18th December 2015:

What do you think of these trailers?

Are you excited for Jurassic World and Star Wars?

Comment below or tweet @TicketStubBlog

Trailer Tuesday: The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies (2014)

Image: imdb.com

A quick Trailer Tuesday before the day is out! The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies teaser trailer was released yesterday. The movie has finally reached the third installment (even though it really doesn't need to be that long!).

Martin Freeman is back with the faces so familiar to us now - with Orlando Bloom, Richard Armitage, Ian McKellen along with Cate Blanchett as Galadriel. And who can forget the roaring tones of Benedict Cumberbatch as Smaug? 

After seeing the second film, and being a huge Lord of the Rings fan, I was left extremely disappointed. 

The effects looked somehow dated and, inevitably, it was too long. 

However, this teaser trailer has definitely got me excited. Especially using the song sung by Pippin (Billy Boyd) in The Return of the King (2003). 

Take a look at the trailer below, it looks to be epic.

The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies will be released in UK on 12th December 2014.

What do you make of the trailer?

Are you excited to see the film?

Comment below or tweet @TicketStubBlog

Trailer Tuesday: The Imitation Game (2014)

Image: moviestillsdb.com

A new week, a new Trailer Tuesday. Ticket Stub's choice today is The Imitation Game which tells the story of Alan Turing and the pioneering Enigma machine which helped crack the impossible German code during the Second World War.

The film stars the mighty Benedict Cumberbatch as Turing. Other cast members include Keira Knightley, Charles Dance, Mark Strong and Rory Kinnear. The British film looks to be a tense and dramatic depiction of the code breaking at Bletchley Park - a place well worth the visit if you get the chance.

The film is to have its European premiere at the BFI London Film Festival in October. Festival director, Clare Stewart, has more details below:

"We are thrilled to announce one of the most anticipated films of the year – The Imitation Game – as this year’s BFI London Film Festival Opening Night gala. Featuring extraordinary performances from the British talent in front of the camera and vividly directed by Morten Tyldum, The Imitation Game does cinematic justice to Alan Turing’s vision, determination and personal story as well as his enduring impact on British history and contemporary life."

The Imitation Game looks to be a brilliant British drama for the autumn. 

Check out the trailer below:

What do you make of The Imitation Game trailer?

Seen any other great trailers recently?

Comment below or tweet @TicketStubBlog

Trailer Tuesday: 12 Years a Slave (2013)

Image: patheos.com

Ticket Stub's Trailer Tuesday this week is the widely anticipated, 12 Years a Slave.

12 Years a Slave is based on the true story of Solomon Northup. The well-educated man from Saratoga Springs, NY was born a free black man until he was kidnapped and sold into slavery in 1841. 

Directed by Steve McQueen, the film has achieved critical acclaim since its world premiere at the 40th Telluride Film Festival earlier this summer. Chiwetel Ejiofor, who plays Northup, has already been tipped for Oscar glory. Other cast members include Michael Fassbender, Brad Pitt and Benedict Cumberbatch whilst also debuting new performances by the likes of Lupita Nyong'o.

The film has been on a limited release across the US and is steadily notching up big figures at the box office. We still have a while to wait here though, as the film is not due out in the UK until January 24th 2014. But for now, enjoy the trailer. It looks to be a very moving story showing the struggles of holding on to humanity in a world of extreme cruelty and suffering. 

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